The Conjoint Operation of Visual Consciousness and Mental Consciousness (III)

If form-dust were absent, the arising of consciousness would lack an important condition; the eighth consciousness would be unable to give rise to the six consciousnesses, and naturally, the existence of the six consciousnesses would cease. When form-dust disappears, the eye consciousness and mental consciousness that were previously discriminating that form-dust immediately cease along with it. Once consciousness ceases, it can no longer discriminate form-dust, and there is no object to discriminate. Therefore, from time immemorial, the eighth consciousness has never been idle for even an instant, has never rested, and has never stopped. It operates ceaselessly and tirelessly in this manner, unselfishly serving sentient beings.

If someone claims that they can perceive form using only the eye consciousness, is this possible? It is impossible. A single form-phenomenon comprises manifest form, shape-form, sign-form, and unmanifest form. Manifest form refers to colors—blue, yellow, red, and white. The eye consciousness can only discriminate manifest form; it cannot discriminate shape-form, sign-form, or unmanifest form. When one perceives form, one does not merely see the manifest form of the form-dust; one must also perceive the shape of the form, its connotations—shape-form, sign-form, and unmanifest form must all be discriminated. What is the essence of the form? What is its nominal designation? All these must be known to complete the discrimination. Therefore, the participation of mental consciousness in discrimination is essential for clear and complete knowledge of form-dust. Apart from color, all other aspects of form belong to the category of form included in the dharmas (dharmāyatana), which is discriminated by the mental consciousness. Only colors like blue, yellow, red, and white are discriminated by the eye consciousness. Only through the combined and harmonious discrimination of both eye consciousness and mental consciousness can we know what form-dust truly is.

Therefore, to perceive a form, to see a form clearly, and to analyze and determine what the perceived form-dust actually is, the eye consciousness and mental consciousness must operate together in harmony. Only through their combined discrimination can we know what the object before us is. Whether it is a book, tables and chairs, or a cup—these objects possess not only color but also shapes (long, short, square, round, etc.), material textures, and other connotations, requiring much discrimination. The eye consciousness alone absolutely cannot discriminate these with complete clarity. Mental consciousness must simultaneously join the eye consciousness in discrimination; only through their harmonious combined operation can we clearly perceive the material form (rūpa-dharma) of these objects.